Statin use and incident cardiovascular events in renal transplant recipients

Unlocking the Potential of Immunotherapy in Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Applications and Future Directions

Immunotherapy has emerged as a pioneering therapeutic approach that harnesses the immune system's abilities to combat diseases, particularly in the field of oncology where it has led to significant advancements. However, despite its significant impact in the field of oncology, the potential of immunotherapy in the context of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this narrative review is to address the existing knowledge and potential uses of immunotherapy in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with the intention of filling the existing gap in understanding. Furthermore, the review thoroughly examines the future prospects of this swiftly advancing field, providing insights into the aspects that necessitate further investigation and addressing the forthcoming challenges. The review is organized into four distinct sections to enhance comprehension. The first section introduces immunotherapy, presenting the fundamental concepts and principles. The second section explores the immunomodulatory mechanisms in cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a specific focus on the intricate interplay between the immune system and the development of cardiovascular pathogenesis. The utilization of immunotherapy in specific cardiovascular conditions will be examined, investigating the application of immunotherapy in the context of different cardiovascular diseases. The future prospects and challenges in immunotherapy for cardiovascular diseases will be discussed, highlighting the potential areas for future research and addressing the barriers that must be overcome to effectively implement immunotherapeutic interventions in the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Risk after Kidney Transplantation: Causes and Current Approaches to a Relevant Burden

Background. Cardiovascular disease is a frequent complication after kidney transplantation and represents the leading cause of mortality in this population. Material and Methods. We searched for the relevant articles in the National Institutes of Health library of medicine, transplant, cardiologic and nephrological journals. Results. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in kidney transplant is multifactorial. Apart from non-modifiable risk factors, such as age, gender, genetic predisposition and ethnicity, several traditional and non-traditional modifiable risk factors contribute to its development. Traditional factors, such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, may be present before and may worsen after transplantation. Immunosuppressants and impaired graft function may strongly influence the exacerbation of these comorbidities. However, in the last years, several studies showed that many other cardiovascular risk factors may be involved in kidney transplantation, including hyperuricemia, inflammation, low klotho and elevated Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 levels, deficient levels of vitamin D, vascular calcifications, anemia and poor physical activity and quality of life. Conclusions. The timely and effective treatment of time-honored and recently discovered modifiable risk factors represent the basis of the prevention of cardiovascular complications in kidney transplantation. Reduction of cardiovascular risk can improve the life expectancy, the quality of life and the allograft function and survival.